Everton FC fans were tear-gassed by French police after trouble erupted today in Lille’s main square.

Footage from French newspaper La Voix du Nord shows how armed police converged on the centre of the French city after clashes between police and supporters this afternoon.

Details of what lay behind the clashes remain unclear but eyewitnesses told the ECHO how the atmosphere changed when a man, thought to be an Everton fan, was chased by plain-clothes police carrying guns and batons and cornered by a shop.

Bottles were said to be thrown at officers by Everton and Lille fans, who then attempted to deal with the situation using tear gas and firecrackers.

Initial reports of rubber bullets being used were ruled out by the club and Merseyside Police liaison officers.